Isla Vista Killing Rampage

A mass killing devastates a seaside college town near UC Santa Barbara

Gun Violence Victims Announce Push for New Legislation

The speakers said they wished they had gotten involved in gun violence activism when they heard about the Newtown, Conn. elementary school mass shooting, instead of after they had become victims themselves.

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Richard Martinez, father of one of the victims of the mass shooting near UC Santa Barbara earlier this year, speaks outside Santa Monica College alongside other gun violence victims on Wednesday, July 30, 2014.

Four people, each affected by a different high-profile mass shooting within the last four years, asked for the public’s help on Wednesday in pushing for stricter gun legislation.

"Don't wait until it happens to your family," said Richard Martinez, whose son Christopher Michaels-Martinez died in the shooting in Isla Vista near UC Santa Barbara earlier this year. "We all have our part to do to end the gun violence crisis in our country."

Martinez joined other victims and advocates in a press conference outside Santa Monica College, the site of a shooting last June in which six people were killed, including the gunman.

Rampage Recalls Santa Monica Tragedy

Family members who lost loved ones during the deadly, 13-minute shooting rampage that ended at Santa Monica College last year, are reminded of the tragedy from the shooting in Isla Vista. Lolita Lopez reports for NBC4 News at 6 p.m. from Santa Monica Tuesday, May 27, 2014.

(Published Tuesday, May 27, 2014)

The four speakers, all of whom are active in various causes involving gun violence victims, said they are united in demanding legislation such as background checks at gun shows.